Suspect accused of killing man who was gardening appears in court

Updated 11:38 am, Wednesday, November 30, 2016

A 18-year-old charged with capital murder appeared in court Wednesday, accused of gunning down a man who was tending the garden behind his home in north Houston.

Philip Battles remains in the Harris County jail without bail after appearing before a magistrate judge.Battles is accused of shooting Ignacio Ortega, 62, in an alleyway in the 15000 block of Buckle Lane about 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 7.

Assistant Harris County District Attorney Joshua Phanco said Ortega was working in a garden behind his home when a witness saw a man wearing a black hoodie walking toward the alleyway.

Several gunshots were heard, and the suspect, who was later identified as Battles, was seen fleeing.Battles, in an orange jail uniform, did not speak at the initial appearance except to request a court-appointed attorney.